Warriors and Survivors -42

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 42

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.

 

When I first saw Laiba in oncology unit, I thought she was a doctor sitting and chatting with patients. She was looking so well dressed, with sunshades on her head and a purse on her shoulders. She has a composed personality. No one can say that she is a cancer patient after meeting her.

Laiba is fourteen years old and a student of 9^th grade. She is a brilliant student and has always scored high in exams. She belongs to Haroonabad and has only one younger brother. Her mother is single parent and she does sewing to support her family.

Laiba was doing very well few months ago. She developed left shoulder pain that became severe gradually. Initially, her mother thought it was due to studies stress and Laiba took vitamins and supplements for some time. When the pain got worse, the family consulted a doctor in Haroonabad. Doctor referred her to hospital when she did not improve after couple of visits.

In the district hospital, Laiba had to go for few diagnostics tests and seeing reports doctor referred her to children hospital. Laiba was first admitted to medical unit and later shifted to oncology unit.

In Children hospital, after a series of investigations Laiba was diagnosed as case of Ewing Sarcoma. Laiba and her mother both brave ladies hardly engulfed the news of cancer diagnosis. Treatment had to be started immediately so her mother left her only son with her sister and shifted to children’s hospital for Laiba’s treatment.

They are at their best in fighting with disease and spreading word of hope among others. So far two courses of chemotherapy have been completed and she is admitted for the third course. Laiba is hopeful with the treatment and her overall health. Her mother is also doing her best for the health of her only daughter but cancer is difficult to deal with for both patient and attendant and I believe it is also difficult for caregivers or health care providers.

The Single mother is fighting the battle of her beloved only daughter leaving behind her dearest only son and she has to travel and live in another city for a month. Family is not financially stable as well. But most important is to keep spirits high and hopes alive.

 

Let’s pray for ease of Laiba and for her family. May Allah miraculously help them. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, and healthy life for all our survivors May Allah bless them health always. Aameen

 

Note: Names and pictures have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors -41

  Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 41

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.

Everyone in life has his/her own share of hardships and trials, some have to face early in life and other see them later. Few are so blessed that they see their trials very early in life and learn a lot from their misfortunes. When one is going through some hardship or trials, he/she desperately waits for them to be over and dream about everlasting happiness when the trial is over.

Noreen is only nine years old right now. She was diagnosed with AML when she was seven. Noreen belongs to a family from Chiniot. Her father is a laborer and driver, and she has two brothers. Her mother is a strong lady who is courageous enough to struggle for her child’s treatment. Having to relocate her family from Chiniot to Lahore was daunting for the poor mother. She told her story of struggle.

“Being in a remote area, having two small children, having to have treatment hours away from home, I just didn’t know how we were going to manage,” says mother.

“My husband was working on construction sites, and then driving a tractor in the off-season so he really needed to carry on working”, said the mother.

“We were so relieved when we were told about the residential inn inside children hospital – it meant we were going to be able to keep our family together.” Mother added.

Noreen and her family ended up staying in the children’s hospital Inn for almost a year while she underwent chemotherapy.

“That time seems very distant to me now – but it was a struggle,” says Noreen’s mother, “Having my two little boys there with me really got me through. I have sweetest children, very loving, and I think that is because we have been through such a tough time.”

Noreen had to undergo treatment for more than a year. Her father used to meet them after a month so it used to feel like a real celebration each time they saw each other.

The sense of community in the Inn was a great comfort for Noreen and her family, sense of being in same problem gave Noreen another outlet to speak openly about her fears.

 “No one knows what you go through quite like another patient” explains Noreen. “At a time when your disease is defining you, those conversations are really the only ones where you can be completely honest about your feelings.”

“Speaking to a loved one about those things can be upsetting so it’s really helpful to be able to talk about those things in neutral territory and share your experience with someone you know will relate.”

At last, her treatment completed, and she was discharged and left for her hometown and the family reunited again.

Noreen said, “When I hear that I was recovered I wanted to inspire people to feel hope when they are in the darkness and show them that I am evidence that you can make it through the other side.”

Noreen was always sure to maintain a positive attitude that the hardships will go away, but now she is again here, in the same place with her disease relapsed.

After just one and half year of happiness and relaxation the whole family has come back again.

Noreen is silent, she has mouth ulcers, and she hardly speaks. This time her shining eyes are dim, she silently sees other fellow patients, her mother is speechless too. The time of happiness for which they waited for such a long time passed so quickly and here is another trial for the so young soul.

Her brave mother has brought Noreen for treatment again despite so many hurdles. Her relapse treatment has been started but Noreen and family are desperately in need of hope.

Let’s pray for ease of Noreen and for her family. May Allah miraculously help them. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, and healthy life for all our survivors May Allah bless them health always. Aameen

Warriors and Survivors - 40

 

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 40

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.

Writing 40^th blog must be an easy task after writing all the thirty-nine; instead it is very difficult for me to write this since I met three years old Summaya and her parents. I am feeling helpless and unable to describe pain and agony of the patient and her family after seeing them despite the fact I have written about suffering of all of them. Sometimes we wish that we had not seen or met someone after meeting them and I have same feeling.

Summaya’s parents felt that their 3-year-old had redness in her eyes since some time. First, they took it normal and then consulted general practitioner from their neighborhood. He prescribed some eye drops but that did not help the child.

After few days her left eye started swelling and parents hurried to specialized eye hospital. Senior consultants evaluated her eye clinically and many diagnostic tests were performed.

It was saddest day for the family when the consultant broke the news that Summaya had tumor in eye and that she had to go to children’s hospital cancer unit for treatment. The mother said that she felt numb and struggled to make the phone calls to immediate family to let them know what was happening.

Summaya’s eye was getting bigger and worse with every passing day. Parents hurriedly reached to pediatric cancer unit in Lahore and her investigations were started. Summaya is only daughter of family. She has one elder brother who is two years older than her. Her father works in pharmaceutical industry as technician. Her mother is pregnant and Sumayya’s next sibling shall come in this world soon. Her mother is taking care of irritable Summaya in such a condition. Poor child is not handled by anyone else, and mother is not fit to look after for her.

For the poor family, more trials awaited. After a long and tedious series of investigation, it was declared by consultant that her cancer was not curable, and that Summaya will be admitted in Palliative unit.  It was a terrible news for the family. Poor kid does not know what is going on with her. She just knows that she is in extreme pain and for the cure she is not agreed to be away from her mother. Her eye is getting worse and its very painful to see her.

Her mother said she is drained, scared and nervous for the future ahead. Her father was shivering with grief when we were counseling the family for the palliation of child. I saw tears in parent’s eyes which was very painful to see. Father was asking if there is some medicine which can prevent his next coming child from cancer?

Innocent father does not know there is no such medication or treatment. We can only try to be healthy by adopting healthy lifestyle. Only Allah can save us from all kinds of diseases.

Let’s pray for ease of Summaya and for her family. May Allah miraculously help them. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, and healthy life for all our surviors May Allah bless them health always. Aameen

Warriors and Survivors -39

  Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 39

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.

Today in ward, I talked to Meerab, a 9 year old cute looking child. At first, she did not respond. I thought she was angry and asked her mother about her silence. She said as Meerab had not brushed her teeth yet so she prefers not to speak until she freshened herself up in morning. I was impressed by her habit. It was my first meeting with her.

Meerab belongs to Mianwali and is the only sister of two brothers. She is student of grade three. She had to hold her education because of her disease and treatment. In 2018, when she was five, she was diagnosed as Pre-B ALL. Her parents mustered up courage for her treatment and shifted to Lahore. Her father started working in a factory in Lahore. They rented a house for their lovely daughter’s proper treatment.

Her chemotherapy started and treatment continued for more than two and half years. It took unlimited visits and investigations and many chemotherapy cycles for her recovery. After a long and painful duration of almost three years finally the day came when all her reports were normal, and Meerab and family were informed by the doctor that her cancer was finally cured.

Meerab was so happy and excited that she was finally going home, back to her friends and relatives. Thanking Allah, the family left for their hometown. Meerab continued her studies, and her parents restarted their life from where they had left it. She regularly visited hospital for follow up as per the plan.

One year passed happily and quickly then on one routine follow up visit and test, it revealed that Meerab’s disease was spreading again, this time with CNS relapse. It was obviously horrible news for the innocent kid and parents. This news meant that they had to again move to Lahore for her treatment and life was going to be same again, full of pain, struggle, and helplessness.

Though it was the toughest decision for the parents to restart her treatment, but they had no other choice. Poor family has shifted again to hospital and Lahore. Meerab is here again in oncology unit. So far, she has completed her consolidation from her relapsed protocol and now her intensification is going on. She is bearing toughest medication with patience and silence.

Mother is uncertain about her princess’s future; she remains worried with lots of questions in her mind. Meerab’s mother says, “I practice gratitude every day. It has transformed my life. From depression and hopelessness, feeling like I had no control over what was happening, I now work hard at hoping for the good. Anxiety and gratitude simply cannot occupy the same space and I finally feel like I have the tools I need to continue to live a strong, healthy and joyful life and that tool is gratitude and hope.”

Let’s pray for permanent recovery of Meeerab and ease for her family. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, and healthy life for all our surviors May Allah bless them health always. Aameen

Warriors and Survivors -38

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 38

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.

Children’s Cancer Hospital Cairo Egypt which is widely called “57357” is like my second Institute and is very dear to me. It is the world largest Children’s cancer hospital in terms of capacity i.e 380 beds. In 57357, two hundred pharmacists serve round the clock and provide world class pharmaceutical care services to pediatric oncology patients. It is the first non-US institute recognized by ASHP (American Society of Hospital Pharmacists).

There are many cancer survivors and warriors who got treatment from 57357 and Alhumdolillah doing great. I am going to introduce our Pharmacist hero and Masha Allah a survivor who was once a warrior who he fought the battle bravely and Allah blessed him health.

Hossam Eldin Ahmed Othman is our today’s Survivor who is also practicing pharmacist and working in 57357 since Aug 2021.  

When Hossam was 13 years old, there was a little swelling in neck on the right side and when his mother saw it she asked Hossam when did this happen and he answered that he did not know exactly. Mother got worried and on recommendation of her colleague she took Hossam to “57357, Children Cancer Hospital Cairo Egypt” first time in May 2010.

Within next two weeks, Hossam had to take several blood tests, CT scans and a biopsy.  Later tests reports led to the diagnoses of Hodgkin lymphoma. 

Hossam belongs to educated family. His mother is a rheumatologist, and his father is an engineer from Cairo Egypt. He has one younger sister who is student as well.

It was a terrible news for family but brave family and Hossam did not lose hope. His treatment started in 57357 and he received four chemotherapy cycles. Post chemotherapy tests revealed that Hossam’s disease was in remission by grace of Allah. Now he had to visit hospital for monthly check up.

After four years, during routine testing in October 2014, a very sad news of relapse was given to his parents. It was disheartening for everyone. Only option was to seek treatment again. So Hossam had to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy again and this time with relapse protocol. Warrior received 3 cycles of chemo with high spirit and then he had to undergo quite an investigation to confirm treatment response. The results were satisfactory by the grace of Almighty. There were still three cycles of chemo Hossam had to bear, the brave guy bore that all three.

After five chemotherapy courses, it was time for second assessment of treatment response. But at this visit they learned the cancer had relapsed (returned), this was second time for Hossam. As devastating as the news of cancer was the first time, the words cut deeper the second time the family heard them.

Hossam’s mother said, “When you hear your child has cancer, it’s like a kick in the gut,” said Evan’s father, Tim. “When you hear it a second time, it’s the same emotions all over again. The second time is hardest.”

The physician told his parents that there is no hope and cure for Hossam’s treatment and that he will be sent to palliative clinic but brave parents decided that they will complete the protocol and Hossam took his last cycle and you know what, by Almighty’s miracle Hossam’s cancer was totally cured after the last cycle Alhumdolillah.

But in early 2015, Hossam’s tests again showed relapse and this time there was no treatment option for him except bone marrow transplant. Relying on Allah’s bounties Hossam’s bone marrow auto transplant was done in October 2015. It was Masha Allah successful, and he is doing fine since then.

Hossam started his pharmacy school after his transplant and he is working with dedication as hospital pharmacist in 57357. He is a role model and example for all sick children. 

Hossam says that his family was the reason that he was able to complete his treatment. They also encouraged him to continue his studies during and after treatment. His sister always supported him and took care of him when he was isolated. That is why he is clinical pharmacist at 57357 children cancer hospital, the exact place where he was once a patient.

In 57357, when any patient refuses treatment or is afraid or sad of chemotherapy, Hossam is usually called for patient counseling and he tell them his story, a tale of struggle and bravery. Hossam says, I am happy to give hope and smiles to children suffering from cancer and their families”.  There is message from him, “Never lose hope and always smile and thank Allah for everything”

Hossam need lots of sincere prayers for healthy life always. Let’s pray for health, happiness, and successful life of Hossam, and all suffering children. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, and healthy life for all our surviors May Allah bless them health always. Aameen

Warriors and Survivors - 37

 

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 37

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.

Flowers, and children are alike, they elevate our mood and bring freshness whenever we come across them. Probably, this is reason we bring flowers for our dear ones and spend time with children.

Meeting with children may not be a cheerful experience when they are in hospital suffering with some uncommon disease. I was not happy after meeting seven years Azan Ali today. In fact, after seeing his condition I am in pain.

Azan Ali is seven years old child, resident of Shahdra. He has three siblings, and he is third child of his parents. Poor guy does not belong to an educated family, and he is not even a school going child at the age of seven years. He only goes to local mosque to learn Quran. His father is street vendor.

Couple of months ago, Azan felt pain in abdomen. In this age abdominal pain is considered as an excuse for holiday so parents did not bother much. In the next few days, Azan’s pain was a routine. So, the family had to go to local community doctor. Doctor prescribed some routine and pain medicines. After a couple of visits when doctor could not rule out anything, he referred Azan to tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Family hardly managed to take him to hospital where a series of diagnostic tests were started. Soon azan was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He was admitted in pediatric oncology unit and his treatment was initiated.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a very fast-growing tumor. Patients should be admitted to the hospital for rapid workup and diagnostic measures. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for this disease. Consultation with a hematologist and oncologist should be obtained as soon as possible. 

It is critical to closely monitor serum chemistries in patients with Burkitt lymphoma (BL), especially during chemotherapy because of the high risk of tumor lysis syndrome and uric acid nephropathy. Prophylactic allopurinol and aggressive hydration with urine alkalinization should be administered.

 Azan’s chemotherapy was started few days ago, but he got sick suddenly and his chemo had to be held. Currently he has bad chest and is oxygen dependent and I met him today in this condition. He is lying straight in bed with oxygen mask on. He can hear and understand everything but lying helplessly.

His mother is worried and is unable to figure out what she should for her child. She cannot stay full time with her suffering son as she had to look after the rest of the family including 3 years old youngest one. Azan’s aunt used to stay with him at night and his mother comes in morning.

Azan is a cute, innocent child who is unable to express even his agony. He is lying still, watching and feeling every pain he is having. I am unable to forget Azan’s facial expression and restlessness of his mother I saw today.

I need lots of sincere prayers for Azan’s health. Let’s pray for health, happiness, and successful treatment of Azan, and all suffering children. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, May Allah heal them. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity.

Warriors and Survivors - 36

 

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog #36

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.

I am extremely sad after meeting Thirteen years old Rehan today. He is such a brave heart and a true warrior. Rehan is fighting his battle against cancerfor more than two years. And it seems now thatit’s very difficult for him to win this battle.

Two and half years ago, 11 years old Rehan got abdominal pain.It was a usual pain and settled after some time. But in the next few days, abdominal pain was routine. Soon he got intermittent fever too. Parents took him to local physician who prescribed him few medicines. Rehan did not get better. Upon follow up, poor child was referred to pediatric hospital.

Rehan had to undergo few tests and soon it revealed that his abdominal pain is not usual. He had to go for many investigations later. Heart breaking news of Cancer was given to his parents. Poor parents who belong to small town Pattoki, about 80km from Lahore, could hardly listen the news that their Child is having Adenocarcinoma of colon.

Rehan’s chemotherapy was started.Having chemo was very difficult for Rehan, but being a brave child he  completed two courses. Rehan was losing weight and it was not a favourable condition for his surgery. Poor child continued fighting with his will power.

After six chemotherapy cycles,Rehan went for surgery. He got a successful surgery and his treatment continued once again. He had to undergo radiation therapy as well. All of these therapeutic modes are frightening for an 11 yearsold child. But Allah has bestowed special courage to Rehan that he was able to face all such treatment phases.

Rehan belongs to a poor family of Pattoki. He has a younger brother and a sister. His father is on daily wages, and it is the biggest trial for him. Adult male child is considered father’s right hand in our society, but it is hard luck of an industrious father that his right hand got such a horrific disease.

Chemotherapy was started again for Rehan. He completed further six cycles. Bearing a single chemotherapy is worst experience a child can have. This brave heart received twelve chemotherapy cycles. He has been on Oral immunotherapy as well.

So far, he is not getting any better. His disease has spread again and hold your heart to know that poor child is on Palliation now.

He is in extreme pain and on narcotic pain-relieving medications. I adjusted his Patch today to give him some relief. But his pain is still there. He has lost considerable weight, but he speaks bravely.

I am in pain since I met him and his mother. We as humans are not able to do much except our small efforts but Allah has given us the power of prayer. We can pray for Rehan, we can pray for some miracle that would save his life.

We pray for health, happiness, and success of Rehan,and all suffering children. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, May Allah heal them. Aameen

 

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity.